Week of 30th July

Sixteen members plus guests Helen were present to enjoy our weekly meeting. A delicious steak was served and the discussion for the general meeting was held. Discussion points for the evening included:

New benches for the food van have been installed and are looking good. The electrical work still needs to be completed and will be done so shortly so the van can be ready for the 25th of August for the Randle family fund raiser. Some discussion ensued about the gas powered water heater in the van with concerns that it cannot be emptied effectively because it's bolted to the benchtop. There was general agreement to look into the possibility of getting an electrical water heater that can be emptied, however the electrical load in the van will be a consideration.

The club was successful in getting a grant from the Dick Smith Compassionate Giving program that is run through Rotary. Initially the application was for the amount of $3200, with $1600 being donated by our club. However the program suggested increasing the funding to $5000 if the club could find additional donors. Beyond Band will contribute $900, making up the shortfall. The money will go to the Studholm family who have ongoing care needs as Will Studholm recovers from a brain aneurism suffered two years ago.

Rural Outreach Counselling, Inc has approached the Coolamon Shire to help implement the Mate Keepers program in Coolamon. Mate Keepers will be community members who will keep their 'ear to the ground' in order to support people in the local community with mental health issues. Rotary members in attendance all agreed it was worthwhile and agreed to lend support any way they could to get the program running as a part of Rural Outreach Counselling.

Representatives from Wollundry will be here on the 20th to discuss the club's assistance with Gears and Beers, which will be held on the October long weekend.

A committee needs to be formed to start planning for the New Year's Eve celebration in Coolamon.

Neil is planning to hold another Peace Day dinner in March of next year. In mid-February there will be a ceremony conducted in Coolamon by both Christian and Muslim representatives to demonstrate that peace is for everyone.

Wayne gave us the good news that there are two potential new members for the club. There was the suggestion that we run a small advertising campaign that Rotary is not just a 'men's club' and that it has representatives from both genders and all walks of life.

Congratulations to the Chronicle which is starting its third year.

There was a suggestion that we hold a music festival with Music 4 Mates as a community event to lift spirits given the dry currently being experienced.

Wayne has had contact from the End Trachoma project of District 9700 and lent his experience and connections to helping to transport much needed goods to Alice Springs.

Robin Lewis will be coming to talk drug and alcohol issues on the 13th August. It will be a general community night starting at 7:30 pm with finger food to be served. An invitation to the community will be posted and the school will be invited.

The opening night for the art exhibition at the Up To Date store went off really well with approximately 180 people in attendance. Carol Stuart won the Rotary-sponsored section of Fakes and Forgeries for $200.

Community Youth Worker Lewis Greer was recently appointed and has been invited as a guest speaker to talk on his role.

A roster will be put out for the Randle Family fund raiser on the 25th August. Profits on the day will go to support the family.

Lions has asked if Rotary can assist with the food van for the Fire Museum muster on Sunday the 31st September.

Community Events

Reminders

Annual subscription fees are due

Please get your working with children check completed and give the number and expiry date to the Secretary ASAP. Failure to do so may mean you are not covered insurance wise when you volunteer at events.